Mercedes-Benz wants everyone to believe that the new CLA is a breakthrough. First introduced as a concept in 2023, it was supposed to be a game-changing electric vehicle, inspired by the highly efficient Vision EQXX. Mercedes slowly revealed details, making it seem like this car would bring the brand back to its former glory.
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Now that the production model is here, one thing is clear: while it has some strengths, the new CLA does not live up to the hype.
Caught Between Two Worlds
The Mercedes CLA EV is a result of a big problem facing the auto industry. Governments want more electric vehicles on the road, but many customers are not ready to give up gas-powered cars. Companies like Mercedes must now invest in both types, while also dealing with competition from cheaper electric cars made in China.
To manage this, Mercedes built the CLA on a new platform called the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). This design allows the car to support both gas and electric versions. While this may sound smart, it also comes with serious drawbacks.
A platform that supports both engines and batteries means the car must make room for things that may not even be used. The long hood, for example, is needed for the gas engine, but it is just empty space in the electric model. The battery pack in the floor also forces the car to be taller. These design choices lead to extra weight, extra material, and a car that is not as efficient as it could be.
Too Heavy to Be Efficient
One of the biggest issues with the CLA is its weight. The top-end CLA 350 weighs 4,706 pounds. That is actually heavier than a short-wheelbase S-Class sedan in Europe, which is supposed to be a much larger and more luxurious car.
Even though the gas-powered CLA will likely weigh less, it is still clear that Mercedes did not make weight reduction a priority. A lighter car would be more efficient, quicker, and better to drive, but the CLA carries extra pounds because of its shared platform.
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The Bright Side: Impressive Technology
Despite its flaws, the Mercedes CLA does have some interesting features. Mercedes put in some advanced technology, including:
- 800-volt architecture for fast charging
- New electric motors designed in-house
- More energy-efficient battery pack
- Silicon-carbide inverters to improve performance
- A two-speed transmission for the rear motor
- Better aerodynamics, with a low drag coefficient of 0.21 cD
Unfortunately, while these features are good on paper, some of the benefits are cancelled out by the car’s added weight and size.
Mercedes’ Modern Design Problems
Beyond the engineering flaws, the CLA also follows Mercedes’ current design trends, which have not been well received.
- Too much branding. There are Mercedes logos everywhere, making it feel excessive.
- Too many screens, not enough buttons. Mercedes has replaced physical controls with touchscreens, which can be frustrating to use.
- Too much ambient lighting. The interior is filled with glowing LED lights, making it feel more like a nightclub than a luxury car.
- To make things even stranger, Mercedes has partnered with musician Will.i.am to add an AI-powered in-car radio app. While this might sound fun, it does not add much to the driving experience.
Not A True Mercedes Comeback
Mercedes wanted this CLA to remind people of its best cars from the past, like the legendary 190E. That car was focused, well-built, and made no compromises.
The new CLA is not like that. While it has some strengths, it also makes too many sacrifices. Instead of a true return to greatness, it feels like a car trying to do too much and not excelling at anything.
